From International Week participation to publishing a scientific article: YSU lecturer's visit to Germany

This year, for the first time, from June 3-8, the International Week Programme was organized at the Aalen University of Applied Sciences. Ten members of the European Qn Alliance, along with representatives of other partner universities, participated in this scientific event. Within the framework of the programme, university representatives organized three workshops. Grigor Hayrapetyan attended one of these workshops, titled "Digital Transformation and Disruptive Technologies," as an observer.  

- Mr. Hayrapetyan, could you please share your experience participating in the International Week Programme at Aalen University of Applied Sciences?

- Yerevan State University has a strong collaboration with Aalen University of Applied Sciences, a member of the Qn Alliance. I participated in the International Week thanks to the announcement from the YSU International Cooperation Department. Specialists from different universities participated in this scientific event, within the framework of which a series of lectures was also organized on the initiative of Aalen University. As a representative of the partner university, I delivered a lecture to Aalen University students on the topic "Situating Economic and Social Innovations in Armenia". Our discussion focused on how innovation impacts the quality of life. The topic I had chosen from among the suggested topics for research was new to me and quite interesting for both myself and the audience. However, when I was preparing for the lecture, I noticed a lack of existing scholarly works on Armenia within this area. That is the reason why I intend to further study and expand on the topic. I aim to publish a scientific article addressing this gap, which will benefit researchers exploring similar themes. 

Participating in the programme was a significant and interesting experience for me, especially since it was my first visit to Aalen University of Applied Sciences. 

- Over the last few years, the topic of innovation has become quite relevant. How does innovation impact business?

- For instance, in Germany, specialists offer digitization for businesses, leading to significant improvements in efficiency, productivity, and profitability. However, the situation differs markedly between developed and developing countries. In developed countries, business innovations are transferred to the social sphere, enhancing overall societal well-being. And in developing countries, beset by numerous challenges and intense competition, innovation is capitalized into profit. However, in developed countries, these processes frequently involve state intervention. For example, education in Germany is entirely state-funded and free of charge. The innovation originating from the university will be transferred to the business and then to the university, becoming a "public product". 

- What was the agenda of International Week?

- The International Week was packed with activities including research work, workshops, lectures, and cultural programmes. We had the opportunity to visit pharmaceutical, chemical, and optical laboratories that are not usually accessible to everyone. The event attracted a large number of participants, and those unable to attend the workshops in person could participate online.

The important thing is that the program will be continuous, and considering the effectiveness of the International Week held for the first time, I think that next year a larger number of specialists from the university will join.

- In your opinion, what role do similar programmes play and what significance do they hold?

- Similar programs are of significant importance as they foster the establishment and strengthening of collaborative relationships between partner universities. The opportunity to meet and interact with numerous researchers sparked new ideas and directions for many of us. Throughout this week-long event, valuable connections were forged among university specialists and researchers, promising potential for launching new programs in the future.

Grigor Hayrapetyan has been working at YSU since 2005. He is the author of about 3 dozen articles published in reputable Armenian and foreign periodicals.